Month: April 2018

Congratulations to Milan Mrkusich, whose painting Triptych: Homage to Rodchenko, 1966 recently sold at auction for $200,000 setting a new record for one of his works. The sale raised much needed funds for Aratoi in Masterton.

Milan, a pioneer of abstract painting in New Zealand is one of our most important living artists.

Congratulations to upcoming exhibitor Shane Hansen! Shane is hosting the new local series ‘Design Junkies’ starting in May on TVNZ1.

You can meet Shane at the opening of his upcoming exhibition in our Auckland Gallery.
The opening is on Thursday the 8th May, from 6-8pm
Exhibitions Gallery, 19A Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland.
Phone (09) 523 5560 or Ngaire 021 415 449.

Tainui – Ngati Hine, Ngati Mahunga

Shane is of Maori, Chinese, Danish and Scottish descent, which is reflected in his art as he navigates his way on a journey of cultural discovery and self-acceptance. He describes his work as his therapy, kai for the mind and soul.

Starting his career as a self-taught fashion designer, he set up his own label at the age of 19, then went on to work for labels such as Canterbury International and Town & Country Surf Designs. His flair for fashion is evident in his work, through beautiful flowing lines and the use of tactile textures.

‘I want people to engage with my work in more than one way. I want them to touch it and smell it, as well as view it. By doing this they feel more connected to the piece and feel a sense of familiarity with it.’

Shane works in many mediums such as wood, glass and metal, which he sees as a reflection of his multi-cultural make-up. He mainly paints on plywood as the grains, knots and blemishes have a history, tell a story and bring a special depth to his work.

‘The detail of my mahi, is in it’s simplicity. Keeping details to a minimum to achieve an image of high impact, depth and meaning, is a challenge, but I feel the work is stronger because of it. The term less is more, is definitely the case with my work and it doesn’t mean it is less meaningful.’

‘An artist is what I am. It’s taken me a few years to get here, but now I have arrived. My journey has just begun and I want others to come with me. I love doing what I do, I love being who I am!’